Odisha to Procure Tigresses for Similipal Tiger Reserve to Improve Genetic Diversity

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has approached the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for permission to introduce tigresses from other areas to improve the genetic diversity of big cats in the Similipal tiger reserve (STR).

The rise in the population of melanistic tigers in Similipal has become a matter of concern. At present 40 per cent of Royal Bengal Tigers in Similipal are melanistic.

As per the All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE) 2023-24 report, 13 out of the 24 tigers in Similipal are melanistic.

As inbreeding is increasing the population of melanistic tigers in Similipal, the forest department wants to improve the genetic diversity of tigers in Similipal by introducing tigresses from outside.

Odisha Forest Department has written to NTCA seeking its permission to introduce female tigers from other landscapes in Similipal.

The tiger enumeration will now be carried out every year in Odisha. Camera traps will be used in Similipal throughout the year for effective monitoring and surveillance of tigers.